Former USC standout and fourth-round NFL draft pick Joe McKnight was shot and killed at just 28 years old after an altercation at an intersection Thursday afternoon, per NOLA.com.
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According to NOLA, Ronald Gasser, the 54-year-old man authorities say shot McKnight was not charged following the incident and was released from custody. The man stayed on scene, turned over the gun and was taken into custody before eventually being released.
A prior report detailed Gasser fired a shot at McKnight, then stood over him and said, "I told you not to f*** with me," and fired another shot. According to Sheriff Newell Normand, Gasser did not exit his car. He also opposed any witness recollection that included McKnight apologizing before being shot, which was detailed in the initial report.
Sheriff: Gasser fired three rounds from driver's seat of his car, through open passenger window at McKnight, standing at window
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Sheriff: Gasser didn't stand over McKnight and fire. 3 casings in car.
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Sheriff: no video we've recovered. No witness account of apology being made by McKnight to Gasser
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
JP Coroner: McKnight had wound to hand. And to right shoulder, which punctured lung. Third wound below right nipple
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Wounds not consistent with being shot from above while on the ground
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Sheriff Normand then denied "dropping the ball" by releasing Gasser:
Sheriff: We've already been accused of dropping the ball by releasing Gasser. We will leave no stone unturned. 30-40 ofcs working this
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Sheriff: Easiest for me would be to book Gasser. But chose not to rush. Everyone wants to make this about race. This isn't about race.
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Guy who raised McKnight used to work for JPSO, as a deputy. "There's a connection." This will be done in appropriate way."
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Sheriff: Stand your ground law "looms on the horizon."
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
The "stand your ground law" in Louisiana states, "A homicide is justifiable . . . [w]hen committed in self-defense by one who reasonably believes that he is in imminent danger of losing his life or receiving great bodily harm and that the killing is necessary to save himself from that danger," per Pro Football Talk.
As for what started the road rage incident, Sheriff Normand mentioned he believed one person cut the other off:
Sheriff: Think may have been simply cutting someone off while driving
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
He also noted he wasn't sure if Gasser had a license for his concealed weapon:
Not sure if Gasser has conceal carry license. Not aware of law enforcement background for Gasser
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Protestors have formed outside of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office:
Protesters outside Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office @NOLAnews pic.twitter.com/uGcJlyJnFe
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
McKnight played three seasons at USC, registering 2,213 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He also had 542 yards receiving over his career and two touchdowns through the air.
McKnight played four years in the NFL. He was drafted in the fourth round by the New York Jets, where he played four three seasons. He last appeared in the NFL in 2014 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He was still working on his football career, appearing on two Canadian Football League teams earlier this season.
The shooting death comes months after former New Orleans Saints standout Will Smith was shot and killed in a vehicle altercation as well.
Detectives reportedly reviewed surveillance video released by FOX 8 News in New Orleans, which appears to show former Pro Bowler Will Smith's vehicle striking Cardell Hayes' Hummer prior to the road-rage shooting that killed the former New Orleans Saints defender.
"Prior to the actions that led to Mr. Smith's death, my client was involved in a hit-and-run. Someone hit him. The person failed to pull over," Hayes' attorney, John Fuller said, per CBS. "My client trailed behind this person in an effort to get their license plate number. My client also called 9-1-1."
Attorneys for Hayes have maintained he shot Will Smith in self-defense as well.
Three guns were reportedly recovered from the scene, including two from Hayes and a loaded handgun from Will Smith's vehicle (police maintain there is no indication that the former Pro Bowler fired the gun).
Will Smith's wife, Racquel Smith, was shot in the leg and treated for her injuries, while Will Smith was shot in the back and side following a reported road-rage incident and died shortly thereafter, according to the USA Today.
